What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Chicken Broth: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Cube the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into even, 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan).
- Cook Through: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Set aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet (wipe it clean if needed), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is bitter.
- Add the Flavors: Stir in the fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, and chicken broth.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bringing It All Together:
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Coat: Toss the chicken to ensure it’s thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
The Secret to Seriously Good Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Okay, friend, let’s talk secrets. Because while this recipe is straightforward, there are a few things that will elevate these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites from “good” to “OMG, where has this been all my life?”- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Seriously. This is chicken-cooking rule number one. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature, and you end up steaming the chicken instead of searing it. Searing is what gives you that beautiful color and locks in the juices. Work in batches!
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Yes, you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch, but fresh garlic will give you the best, most pungent flavor. Trust me on this one.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic! I can’t stress this enough. Burnt garlic is the enemy. Keep the heat at medium, and watch it like a hawk. You want it fragrant, not blackened.
- Adjust the Heat: The red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a lovely little kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a pinch and add more to taste.
Serving Suggestions That Will Knock Your Socks Off
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:- Over Rice: A classic for a reason! The rice soaks up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- With Pasta: Toss these bites with your favorite pasta for a complete meal. I especially love them with angel hair or linguine. You could even create a Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe by adding some heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the sauce!
- As Appetizers: Serve them with toothpicks as a party appetizer. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve them in crisp lettuce cups with a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side.
Variations to Make it Your Own
One of the best things about cooking is that you can always tweak recipes to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you might want to try:- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms in the garlic butter sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter sauce for a richer, creamier sauce. This would take your dish closer to the divine Creamy Garlic Pasta realm.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken bites before serving.
- Spice it Up: Use a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
Want to get a head start on dinner? Here’s how:- Prep Ahead: You can cut the chicken into cubes and season it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also mince the garlic and chop the parsley ahead of time.
- Storage: Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet when reheating to keep the chicken moist.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
Beyond the incredible flavor, what I truly love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. On busy weeknights, sometimes the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in under 30 minutes, making them a lifesaver. Plus, the simple ingredients mean I usually have everything I need on hand. This makes it a go-to recipe whenever I need a quick, easy, and satisfying meal. Think of this recipe as a gateway to a whole world of easy chicken dinners. If you’re looking for something equally comforting, but prepared in a slow cooker, you might like this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken recipe. Or, if you’re in the mood for pasta, consider trying Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni. If you love Garlic Parmesan Chicken, then you are sure to love Garlic Parmesan Chicken! Serve some Garlic Butter Bread Rolls alongside and you’ll have a complete meal. You can even check out Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta for another great dinner option!Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Bites
- Chicken is Dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the sauce and cook for a minute or two until thickened.
- Sauce is Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Dig In?
There you have it! Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites that are sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and techniques can create a truly spectacular dish. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! I know you’re going to love these. Enjoy!What’s the secret to getting the best flavor in the garlic butter sauce?
Using fresh, minced garlic is key to getting the best, most pungent flavor. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic will taste bitter.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out while cooking?
Avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
What are some serving suggestions for these garlic butter chicken bites?
These chicken bites are versatile and can be served over rice, with pasta, as appetizers, in lettuce wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Can I prepare the chicken bites in advance?
Yes, you can cut the chicken into cubes and season it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also mince the garlic and chop the parsley ahead of time.
Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy techniques. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into even, 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan).
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Set aside.
- In the same skillet (wipe it clean if needed), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Stir in the fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, and chicken broth.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss the chicken to ensure it’s thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Fresh garlic is key for the best flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Adjust the heat with red pepper flakes. Serve over rice, with pasta, as appetizers, in lettuce wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables. You can add mushrooms, use different herbs, make it creamy by adding heavy cream, add cheese, or spice it up with cayenne pepper. Prep ahead by cutting the chicken and mincing the garlic. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer or add a cornstarch slurry. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or water.
